Welcome Aboard a Maine Lobster Boat
Explore the rock bound coast of Acadia aboard the 33’ wooden lobster boat Elizabeth T. Escape the crowds, and enjoy a relaxing cruise with sightseeing, seal watching, and lobster fishing. This excursion is limited to 16 passengers and is a great experience for the whole family.
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Ages | All ages |
| Group Size | Shared Tours are up to 16 passengers |
| Schedule | 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. |
Haul Lobster Traps, Visit Somes Sound, & See a Seal Colony
Depart the fishing community of Southwest Harbor aboard the 33’ wooden lobster boat, the Elizabeth T. Explore the glacially carved Somes Sound Fjard, where the granite cliffs rise to the surrounding mountain peaks in Acadia National Park. Somes Sound is beautiful and abounds in wildlife. Look for seals, porpoise, eagles, osprey and peregrine falcons. View the grand summer “cottages” owned by wealthy “Rusticators” from Northeast Harbor and Seal Harbor. Bring your camera for the excellent photo opportunities, including Bear Island Lighthouse, one of the prettiest lighthouses along the Maine Coast.
Everyone is excited when the crew hauls a lobster trap. Learn about how the trap is baited, the biology of lobsters, and how lobstermen are protecting this thriving industry while harvesting 100 million pounds annually. Most lobsters migrate closer or further from shore depending on the seasons. They may move up to 5 or 6 miles in a year, going closer to shore in Summer and Fall, and offshore for stable, deeper water in Winter and Spring. Try your hand at banding a fresh caught lobster!
Look for a breeding pair of bald eagles on our way to East Bunker Ledge. This is a favorite spot for watching seals as they swim, fish and sunbathe on the rocks. Cruise back to Southwest Harbor past the Cranberry Islands, where a 300-year old fishing village continues to thrive by the ways of the sea.
What Do I Wear?
Dress as you would for walking around town, and bring an extra sweater/sweatshirt and a windbreaker with you. Also useful is a baseball-style cap with visor, sunglasses (polarized are best), and sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera. If you’re on the fence about shorts versus long pants… go with the long pants.
Comfort & Safety
An excursion aboard the lobster boat Elizabeth T is a safe, comfortable experience for children and adults. We refurbish the boat every year, inspecting for any necessary repairs and maintenance. Our captains are Coast Guard licensed and we carry all safety gear including lifejackets (adult and child), first aid kits, and fire extinguishers. We operate in the protected waters of Great Harbor, so sea sickness is rare. Although our private charters can accommodate 21 passengers we self-limit our shared tours to approximately 16, ensuring ample room for each guest. There is a small toilet on board, blankets for cool weather, and an electric cooler for drinks. The Elizabeth T is fitted with canvas to keep passengers dry and warm when the conditions are not optimal.
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